Text by Chu Jiwang / Ningbo Ruyi 's President

As a 68-year-old with passion to learn more about the Western dining etiquette, I think I am a prime example of a Chinese saying: "You are never too old to learn." Despite the overseas experience I gained through my business trips to hundreds of cities scattered throughout about 50 countries over the past 21 years, I am still a novice at eating Western food properly.

Even today, I can still recall the embarrassment I experienced three years ago in Minsk, the capital and largest city of Belarus. During breakfast, I left my seat for more salad while my plate stayed on the table with some unfinished bread and caviar. Unexpectedly, the waitress took my plate away, and dumped the food without hesitation. This move annoyed me both for the waste and for the server's unreasonable assumption. Even more astonishing to me, the same thing happened with my salad when I left for a cup of coffee.

Later, I told my story to Tie Jianshe, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Zhejiang Sub-council. Mr. Tie is a very knowledgeable gentleman who had helped us communicate with local customs officers in English. His most impressive feat was helping a local tour guide explain the meaning of "Byzantine" in an understandable way, showcasing his East European history knowledge during a tour of Ukraine.

Upon hearing about my embarrassing breakfast experience in Minsk, Mr. Tie smiled and explained patiently: "I think it was the way you placed your fork and knife that misled the waitress." I suddenly realized the many improprieties I had made during overseas trips over 20 years. During our conversation, Mr. Tie continuously elaborated on etiquette related to eating Western food. For example, if two sets of forks and knives are placed on both sides of the plate, it indicates that two courses will be served. Similarly, if three sets of forks and knives are placed on each side of the plate with a soup spoon in front, you will enjoy three courses plus a bowl of soup. He also reminded me that if I need to leave my seat for a second, I should place the knife and fork on the plate horizontally to notify the waiter that the meal is not finished. Otherwise, the knife and fork should be placed together and laid on the leftovers or on the plate obliquely to the right.

Of course, Western dining etiquette encompasses much more than what has been mentioned above. For example, you should not speak when you are chewing, and it is impolite to make sounds when you have soup. Additionally, boiled eggs should not be cracked against the table, and side dishes ordered should be finished. I believe today's young Chinese people are doing much better overseas in terms of following Western eating etiquette.

Along with dining etiquette, you also need to pay attention to how to express yourself at the table with foreigners. For example, entertaining visiting foreign friends with the best dishes, but humbly calling them "not good enough" (a Chinese custom), will not be understood by Westerners. They may be offended, desiring the best treatment after coming to China from far away. Therefore, you should be more specific about how unique and delicious the dishes are, so that they can happily share their Chinese food experience with their native friends.

On the other hand, the power of proper communication with foreigners worked during my trip to the U.S. with my son. We were invited to a colonial-style restaurant where wooden tables and chairs looked worn against the weak candlelight. As if the shabby decor wasn't enough, the salad-looking dishes with soy sauce on the side delivered the “fatal blow,” since I was also suffering from jet lag. I hardly touched the food until my friend asked me: “This is a very famous colonial-style restaurant. How do you like the food?” His words motivated me to give the food a chance without prejudice, and the dishes magically turned tasty.

With a smile, I always admit I still have a long way to go in order to enjoy Western food like a native.